Heaters tend to be one of those household amenities that no one really thinks about until they stop working. Unfortunately, this usually happens when it’s freezing cold outside and the repairman has a 5-day back-log of work orders. Not only is this inconvenient, but running a damaged heater until it breaks can either make a bad problem worse – which will lead to more costly repairs – or your heater may breakdown entirely. Buying a new heating system is significantly more expensive than making sure the one you have is well-maintained and running properly.
Here are 4 early warning signs that can let you know your heater needs some maintenance so it can keep running properly:
1. Weird Noises
Any unexpected banging, clanking, screeching, or other such noise coming from your heater usually means it’s time to call the repairman. Noises like these can be an indicator that something has come loose, the burners need to be cleaned, or that the fuel supply is being restricted. It’s usually best to allow the professionals to look at your system if this happens, since the whole system may need to be disassembled to figure out what part is making the noise and why.
2. Yellow Flame
This one is important as it can indicate a carbon monoxide leak. These leaks can cause nausea, dizziness, headaches, and can even be fatal if not detected and corrected quickly. The pilot light in your heater should always be blue. If the flame is yellow, or if you start experiencing other symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, you should turn your heater off immediately, air out the house, and leave the furnace off till a professional has a chance to fix your heater. Be extra careful not to light any matches, turn any lights on or off, or do anything that might create a spark until you’re sure your home is clear of carbon monoxide.
3. Frequent Cycling
If you hear your heater frequently turning off and on, it might be short-cycling. This happens when air isn’t circulating properly. This could be due to dirty filters or an issue with the thermostat. Either way, it is an indicator that your furnace isn’t running efficiently and that it needs some maintenance. Try replacing the filters or call a repair man to further pinpoint the source of the problem.
4. Dust and Dry Air
Furnaces are designed to not only heat the air, but also to filter out dust and pollutants and to try to keep the air in your home properly humidified during the dry winter months. If you notice an unusual amount of dust coming out of your vents or accumulating on your surfaces, this could be a sign that your filters need to be replaced. Similarly, dry air can be the result of an improperly functioning humidity system. Some indicators of this include skin that is dry and nostrils that feel dried out and are more prone to bleeding, especially in the morning. There may also be an unusual buildup of static in your home, which you may notice from small shocks that occur when touching metal, or occasionally other people or even your pets. If this seems to be happening a lot, it’s best to be on the safe side and call a technician out to look your heater over and make sure it is functioning properly.
Frequent, preferably yearly, maintenance is the best way to ensure your heater lasts as long as possible and keeps your home warm and cozy for many winters to come.